Step 2: At the point, draw one line on the left that points straight to the side and one that points up and then bends back. On the right side of the point, draw a line that points down, bends up, then bends back down, and another line that points up, bends back, up again, then slightly downwards.

Step 4: Draw dotted patterns all over the body. You have drawn a sea-spider! Sea-spiders can have four, five, or six pairs of legs, depending on the exact species. These creatures are so small that their muscles are only one cell in width. Sea-spiders are not actually spiders, though there is a dispute over how closely they are related to true spiders compared to insects and crustaceans.

Interesting Facts about Sea-Spiders

Sea-Spiders are long legged, long bodied spiders that live in shallow water. Sea Spiders are found on the coasts of Europe. They can also be found in Norway. Sea-Spiders are see-through with a little bit of pink because their insides are visible. Their bodies are separated into 2 sections. They measure up to 10 millimeters. They eat sea anemones, Whelk eggs (which is a snail), and ocean worms. A Sea-Spider’s legs are 3 to 4 times longer than its body and stick out everywhere!

Did you know?

A Sea-Spider’s legs are divided in to 5 segments.

Sea-Spiders have special legs called “Ovigerous” legs. They are used to clean themselves.

A Sea-Spider only lives about a year.

Males have special legs that carry about its eggs until they hatch.

Sea-Spiders molt (shed their skin) 5 months before they become adults.

Lesson Plan Note: Every county’s coastline is unique and special in its habitat. Sea-Spiders are a great topic when you class reaches the shores of Europe and Great Britain. Spend a week going around the world’s coasts and teach your class about the different species found there. For a more in depth conversation look at the species that can only be found on certain shores.